Parents and Families

10 Fun Autumn Activities for Families

Developing physical literacy is a year-round journey, so Active for Life has picked some fresh ways to play this season. Here's a list of 10 fun autumn activities that you can use to encourage families to pull on some layers, grab a toque, and enjoy everything the season has to offer.  


Newcomer Parent Resource Series: Available in 16 Languages

Refugee parents come to Canada with unique settlement needs, and language barriers that make it challenging to get information to support their parenting, children’s development, and the health and safety of their family here in Canada. We’ve developed a series of 14 parent resources to help - and they’re available in the 16 languages most commonly spoken by refugee families here in Canada!

Helping newcomer families prepare for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Refugee 613 and Circles for Reconciliation have partnered up to create a multilingual infographic explaining the commemoration of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and why newcomers should participate. It’s currently available in English, French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Arabic and Swahili, with more languages still to come! You can access the full infographic here for free. Please share it with your friends and personal networks. 


Podcast: Teaching Early Childhood Multilingual Learners

In this episode of the Lifting Language podcast, three experts gather to talk about teaching multilingual learners in early childhood. They discuss the principles of early childhood education and the role languages play, families as resources, and best instructional practices. The podcast is sure to leave you inspired to try some new ideas!

Ahlan Simsim Research Findings

Sesame Workshop and the International Rescue Committee launched Ahlan Simsim in 2018 to address a humanitarian crisis: a generation of children raised amidst conflict, with limited access to early childhood learning and development opportunities. Another goal was to share our research and findings. Now, NYU has released the results of three landmark studies, with some good news for children.


Movie Sparks Reflections on Immigrant Parenting in Canada

A recently released Netflix movie called ‘Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway’ has ignited a flurry of conversations regarding cultural differences between Indian and Canadian parenting styles and their impact on immigrant parents.  And sometimes, these cultural variations in parenting styles can put immigrant families at odds with child protection services.


A New Set of Parent Resources – Now Available in 11 Languages!

Almost 30 Nobody's Perfect parenting program tip sheets are now available in 11 languages to better support parents in the communities you serve. These tip sheets cover topics like bullying, taking care of yourself, helping your child eat well, and more!

10 Facts to Share with Parents About Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can start at almost any age, though they usually do not develop before a child is 2 years old. The symptoms happen during certain times of the year, usually when trees, grasses, and weeds release tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Even kids who have never had seasonal allergies in years past can develop them. Find out more about the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies and share this infographic and 10 facts with parents this spring.

39 Fun Ways for Families to Play Outside This Spring

The sun is getting warmer, birds are singing, and my children are shedding their winter gear all over our backyard. Spring is in the air! After the long sleep of winter, nature is filled with a flutter of activity and new energy. Trees are exploding with blooms, insects are buzzing, and critters are busy building nests. The kids are full of energy too! Thankfully, spring offers many simple, easy, and fun outdoor activities for children to get their wiggles out. On that note, here are 39 free and easy activities you can share with parents to get them outside with the kids this spring.

Ideas to Share with Parents: Cheap or Free At-Home Activities for Kids

How can parents encourage their children to live a healthy, active life while sticking to a budget? They can try these simple tasks and activities to see how simple it can be to get kids enjoying active play and moving daily at home!